a bleeding purple utah jazz blog

Game 22 vs. MEM: JaZZ + GriZZ = Zzzz

I don’t even really know where to start–not because there is so much to say, but so little, and what little there was was ugly. Again. Both teams shot around 30% in the first (Jazz 7/21, Grizz 6/21), and there was no wonderful 2nd quarter run because Jerry did not play SWARM (AK instead of Elson). At the half, the Jazz were shooting 15/43 and the Grizz 16/44. CJ was the only Jazzman who the rim was not rejecting, and oh yeah, AK and Millsap were a combined 0-13 (though AK was fouled on at least three of his FGA with no call).

Early in the third, it looked like AK and Sap were finally going to get going. AK scored his first FG on the Jazz’s first possession with a dunk (Deron assist), and Miallsap got his first bucket of the game a minute later (also Deron assist). Unfortunately, that was to be AK’s final bucket of the night, and Millsap’s last bucket until the final minutes.

I don’t think I’ve ever gif’ed an opponent highlight, but this one made me “ooh” and I love that it was an unknown rookie that threw the pass:

The Jazz had a 5-point lead going into the 4th, meaning it was time to pull away. Jerry opted to play the hot hand, which meant that he again only played 80% of SWARM (this time Raja instead of Ronnie P). While this decision may have been the deciding factor in us getting the W at end of the night, this was the second straight game of no SWARM, and second straight game of looking like the yucky early season (pre-SWARM) Jazz. I don’t really understand it, because Jerry is usually the first one to tell you that when a John Deere tractor ain’t broke, don’t fix it…but anyway, my little questioning of authority might be moot for the time being, as Fes (sprained ankle) might be out of commission for a bit.

Finally, I adored seeing Raja dive for a loose ball in the final seconds and with the game decided. Love having guys like that on the team.

Random Notes:** You know what they say about Utah’s crowd intimidating referees and how opposing teams can never get calls at the ESA?IT’S ALL LIES.
This game was the fifth time in six home games, and tenth time out of 13 home games overall, that the opponent got to the line more. Through 13 home games so far this season, we have taken 315 FTA (24/game) while our opponent has taken 374 (29/game). In 6 of the 13 games, the opponent shot 10-20 more FTs than us in our house.** Shooting woes and dunk phobia aside, AK had a very nice night at the box score (including points, because he got to the line). 6-7 FTs, 5 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals, 2 blocks. Not to mention this:

CJ and Sap also had 2 blocks and 2 steals each.** Raja had probably his best shooting night of the season so far, going 4-5 from downtown and 5-7 overall.** I don’t think anyone would disagree that Marc Gasol is infinitely more attractive than his brother, Pau. Unlike Pau, Marc looks like he’s from earth rather than Middle-earth. There are moments, however, when their genetic relationship is apparent:

Unintentional Dirty Quote Machines of the Night** Millsap: They got some guys–Gasol and Randolph–that try to bull you down there. They’re big down there, and they use their body well.** Matty: Raja, his hands are so much better down there. (thanks to BBJ)** Boler: CJ fires up a shot, drains it!** Jerry, post-game: Their big guys get inside really well, and Gay got inside a couple of times.

Related

Maybe Jerry is just as excited about SWARM as we are and so is trying to keep them under wraps until strategically opportune times at which to unleash them. If he plays that unit too frequently, the opposition can better prepare. For now, they’re still our secret weapon and are flying under the radar.